England win thrilling final Ashes Test as Stuart Broad takes winning wicket to draw series with Australia
England have won the final Ashes Test match after a thrilling finish to draw the series with Australia.
With Australia chasing down 384 to win the match, a rampant England took seven wickets in the final session to edge out their fierce rivals.
England bowler Stuart Broad – in his final match before retirement – took the final two wickets in front of a packed crowd at The Oval in London.
It means the fascinating five-match series ends 2-2 after weeks of scintillating skill, must-watch drama, and even a little controversy.
As holders of the urn, having won the last series in 2021-22, Australia only needed to draw the current series to retain the trophy.
Speaking after the match, Broad said: “Woakesy and Moeen set the tone unbelievably and when we got a couple of wickets we really started to believe.
“The crowd was so loud and we really jumped on that energy.
“To pick up a couple of wickets to end the Test match and contribute to the team was very special.”
He added: “When you make that decision to move on from the game you wonder what your last ball will be, so for it to be a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool.”
‘I think 2-2 is quite fitting’
Chris Woakes, England’s player of the series and man of the match, said: “It has been an amazing few games and nice to come into the side and contribute. The belief was there that we could win from 2-0 down.
“There is incredible spirit in the dressing room. I think 2-2 is quite fitting.”
A fitting end to Broad's glittering career
Rob Harris
@RobHarris
His final shot hit for six. His final ball bowled taking the final wicket of the Ashes.
Stuart Broad couldn’t have scripted his farewell more perfectly.
Few athletes are able to sign off on their terms on such a high.
The fairytale ending did not feature the Ashes urn being lifted. You can’t have it all.
Denying Australia a first series win here since 2001 is sweet enough for the 37-year-old.
Taking the final two wickets – just as Australia still sensed victory at The Oval – completed the England comeback from 2-0 down to draw the thrilling series 2-2.
A fitting climax to a glittering career for the 37-year-old who only settled on retirement on Friday night.
Read Rob Harris’s full analysis here
England captain Ben Stokes said: “I think 2-2 is a fair reflection of the teams literally going toe to toe. Australia are World Test champions, they are a quality team.
“I don’t think many teams would have been able to respond from 2-0 down. I am incredibly proud of everyone’s efforts.
“We have been do or die since the second game and that really suits us.”
Australia’s player of the series, Mitchell Starc, said: “It has been an incredible five Test matches and the way it finished today probably spoke to the quality of cricket and the emotions of the whole Ashes.
“It has come down to the last session of day 25.”
Controversial stumping of England’s wicketkeeper fired up the team
Narrow wins at Edgbaston and Lord’s secured an early 2-0 series lead for captain Pat Cummins’ side.
But the controversial stumping of England’s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow on day five at Lord’s fired up England.
An injury to Australian spinner Nathan Lyon also appeared to help turn the tables for Ben Stokes’ team.
England roared back at Headingley to make it 2-1, and then had Australia on the ropes in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford as they looked to level the series.
However, the weather had the final say in Manchester, with the last two days of the Test rained off, resulting in a draw.
Australia went into the fifth and final Test having already retained The Ashes.
England are due to travel to Australia in 2025 for the next Ashes series.